Method and apparatus for frame-based knowledge representation in the unified modeling language (UML)

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for emulating a knowledge representation in a Unified Modeling Language (UML) environment. A Meta-Object Facility metamodel and UML profile are grounded in a foundation ontology. The elements representing the knowledge representation ontology are mapped to elements of UML, based on the grounded Meta-Object Facility metamodel and UML profile, thereby emulating the knowledge representation in a UML environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present patent application is a national phase application of International Application No. PCT / US03 / 04229 filed Feb. 12, 2003, which claims priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 356,611 filed Feb. 12, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to knowledge representation systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a system for emulating frame-based knowledge representation in the unified modeling language (“UML”).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Over the last ten years there has been increasing consensus within the knowledge-based systems community on an appropriate set of conceptual components for building intelligent systems. These systems are commonly defined in terms of both domain ontologies and abstract problem solving methods that operate on the knowledge bases constructed in terms of those ontologies.[0004]An ontology is an explicit, formal specification of t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Emerging applications in collaboration, application integration, web services, and content management require large, complex ontologies that must be built and maintained by distributed teams.

Despite the increased focus on the creation, management and use of complex ontologies in intelligent knowledge-based systems, there is little or no consensus regarding the requirements for tools to enable the construction of such knowledge-based systems and the ontologies they use.

While a significant body of work on frame-based knowledge representation and ontologies exists in the academic community, little has been done to foster adoption of these concepts or their usage in commercial applications.

Because these tools have not had the benefit of commercial investment, most, if not all, are single-user tools.

Furthermore, none of the tools scale to the degree required for the construction of large-scale bioinformatics or other equally complex and sizable ontologies.

Because such ontologies can be difficult even for experts to build, the need for a new generation of commercial-grade tools supporting knowledge sharing and collaborative ontology development is becoming increasingly urgent.

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